Cost Comparison
Divorce Cost by State
Complete divorce cost comparison for all 50 US states. Find average costs, filing fees, contested divorce costs, and expected timelines.
National Average
$15,000
Most Expensive
California$17,500
Least Expensive
Rhode Island$3,800
Avg. Filing Fee
$225
Where Does the Money Go?
Understanding the breakdown of divorce costs helps you budget and potentially reduce expenses by choosing alternatives like mediation.
$11,300
75%Attorney Fees
Hourly rates $150-$500+
$250
2%Court Filing Fees
Varies by state
$1,500
10%Mediation
If used instead of litigation
$1,200
8%Financial Experts
Appraisers, CPAs, actuaries
$750
5%Other Costs
Process servers, copies, etc.
Divorce Costs: All 50 States
Costs listed are averages and can vary significantly based on complexity, whether the divorce is contested, and presence of children or significant assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost on average?
The average divorce in the US costs approximately $15,000, including attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses. Uncontested divorces can cost as little as $1,500-$3,000, while complex contested divorces can exceed $50,000.
Which state has the cheapest divorce?
Rhode Island has the lowest average divorce cost at $3,800. Other affordable states include Delaware ($4,000), Alaska ($4,200), and Wyoming ($4,300). These states have lower attorney fees and simpler filing processes.
How can I reduce my divorce costs?
You can reduce costs by: choosing mediation over litigation, filing uncontested if possible, organizing documents yourself, using online divorce services for simple cases, and negotiating directly with your spouse on key issues.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Divorce Cost by State: Complete 50-State Comparison." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/divorce-cost-by-state